Greece has been grappling with a significant surge in fruit and vegetable prices, driven largely by a severe drought that has severely impacted agricultural production in recent months. Farmers nationwide are voicing their concerns about the lack of water. As a result, prices at farmers' markets have nearly reached those found in supermarkets.

Consumers prefer purchasing their produce from farmers' markets, avoiding the vegetable aisles in supermarkets. "I don't like the quality," said one shopper. However, the increasing prices at farmers' markets are becoming hard to ignore as they steadily approach supermarket levels. Additionally, with the intense heat, many market vendors struggle to maintain the quality of their products, which spoil quickly, making it unprofitable for them to sell at lower prices.

According to a wholesale price bulletin released by the Central Market, cucumbers have risen by 40% in just one week, parsley by 25%, and lettuce by 11%. Year-on-year price changes are also significantly high.

A report from MEGA highlights the current prices for vegetables:

• Tomatoes: €1.50-2.50 per kilogram at farmers' markets, €1.79-2.59 per kilogram in supermarkets, and €2.34-2.98 per kilogram in grocery stores.
• Cucumbers: €1.50 per kilogram at farmers' markets, €1.95 per kilogram in supermarkets, and €3 per kilogram in grocery stores.
• Aubergines: €1.40 per kilogram at farmers' markets, €1.40 per kilogram in supermarkets, and €3.40-4 per kilogram in grocery stores.

These steep prices are due to the limited supply of produce. According to traders and producers, the relentless heat has scorched their crops, leaving fewer fruits and vegetables available for sale.

Seasonal fruits, too, have shown no signs of becoming more affordable:

• Peaches: €1.75-2.00 per kilogram at farmers' markets, €1.45-2.18 in supermarkets, and €3.30-3.90 per kilogram in grocery stores.
• Grapes: €2.50 per kilogram at farmers' markets, €2.78-3 in supermarkets, and €2.40-4.30 per kilogram in grocery stores.
• Carrots: €0.90 per kilogram at farmers' markets, €0.98 in supermarkets, and €2.15 per kilogram in grocery stores.

Source - https://www.freshplaza.com